FARMERS and crofters have been urged to learn life-saving CPR techniques – because in isolated areas, that knowledge could help them save someone's life.

NFU Scotland gave its support to the Save a Life for Scotland initiative at today's Highland Show, with an on-the-spot demonstration of CPR techniques and information about measures that those who live and work in the Scottish countryside can undertake to save someone’s life.

Save a Life for Scotland aims to equip 500,000 people living in Scotland with the life-saving skill of CPR over the next five years. The hope is that in doing so, 1000 more lives might be saved by people learning and being prepared to step up and perform CPR when required.

This support continues NFUS's ongoing work surrounding farm safety, including the Grid Reference Card campaign it launched with Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance in 2014 and its awareness-raising efforts through Farm Safety Week.

NFU Scotland president Allan Bowie – who took part in the CPR demo – commented: “This is a fantastic initiative, that aims to save thousands of lives. We know farmers and crofters are in a more vulnerable position by often working in remote areas away from readily-available assistance, and we hope that by providing them with life-saving skills they can aid others if and when the need arises.

“We will be working to raise awareness of the campaign, and we would encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”

National Programme Manager for Save a Life for Scotland Lisa MacInnes said: “Performing CPR really can help save someone's life. Everyone in Scotland, including farmers and crofters, has the power to save a life in their hands.

“Suffering a cardiac arrest is the commonest life-threatening medical emergency but of the 3500 people living in Scotland who have resuscitation attempted each year, only about 1 in 20 survive.

“Lives are being lost because not enough people know how to perform CPR. But there’s no reason not to. Through the Save a Life for Scotland website people can find out where to go to learn CPR skills in their community.

Visit http://www.savealife.scot/ for more information.